MOLD’S mayor got to grips with basic self-defence thanks to a free class for local ladies.
Mayor of Mold Councillor Sarah Taylor was invited to take part in a free session organised by Seishin Ryu Ju Jitsu and held at Bryn Coch school gym on the September 22. It was attended by over 30 ladies of all ages.
Seishin Ryu Ju Jitsu is a not for profit martial arts organisation teaching martial arts / self-defence classes to children and adults run by husband-and-wife team Tom and Jo Evans, both of whom are highly skilled in Ju Jistsu.
Mayor of Mold Councillor Sarah Taylor (centred) with (from left) Sensei Jo Evans, Jamie Macdougall, Sensei Tom Evans, Sensei Ian Farquhar and Gary Boden.
They run ‘not for profit’ classes in Mold and Buckley and currently have over 150 members attending.
Tom Evans, co-founder and chief instructor, said: “Jo and I are passionate about our local community and we know how important self defence is not only for women’s safety but for their self-confidence as well.
“We organised the free self-defence session for women to help spread knowledge and awareness to those people who might not wish to join a regular martial arts class. I hope that those attended found it not only useful but also fun.
“The session was well received and we will be organising further free classes in the near future.”
One local resident who attended with her mum was Ceris Brand from Mold.
Ceris said: “I went along with my mum Gayle and it was great fun. The session has given me a big confidence boost and has helped me with my mental health.
“I feel much safer knowing how I can defend myself if I ever need to. Tom, Jo and the team were very friendly and it was a relaxed fun environment which certainly helped.”
Gayle Brand, pictured, gets her daughter Ceris in choke hold!
Also attending was Mold Town Councillor Karen Hodgkinson who said: “My Daughter pressured me into attending the self-defence class at Bryn Coch School and I’m so glad she did because I actually loved it!
“It wasn’t what I expected and I thought it would be basically this is what you can do and so on but it was very interactive and the team made it very easy to understand.
“I’m not a lover of anything that includes exercise but from this session I will certainly be joining their regular classes because I loved it that much and loved how easy it was.
"I would certainly recommend anyone thinking of taking up a martial art / self-defence class to go along to one of Seishin Ryu Ju Jitsu classes and like me, I am confident they will be return.”
LEFT: Cllr. Karen Hodgkinson with Jamie Macdougall / RIGHT: Mayor of Mold Councillor Sarah Taylor getting to grips with Tom Evans.
Mayor of Mold Councillor Sarah Taylor added: “I was slightly apprehensive at first, having not done any sort of martial arts (or much exercise) before, I had visions of me being flung around the gym!
“But I have to say Tom, Jo and the team were true professionals, the class was informative and lots of fun. I have certainly learnt some new skills.
“Tom and Jo give a lot to their community, the classes they run are all not for profit and they have held a number of free sessions including women’s self-defence like the one I attended and also free Ju Jitsu sessions to help promote positive mental health within children.
“I would recommend to all ladies, next time this session is run, make sure you go along. This has certainly been a highlight of my Mayoral term so far.”
The women who attended the self defence session ranged in age from 14 to 60+ years, with many mother and daughters attending.
Jo Evans, co-founder and instructor, says that they welcome all ages from age seven upwards to attend weekly classes.
Ms Evans said: “Even if you have never done anything like this before, come along and find out for yourself what it’s all about. We have a number of families who all come together and lots of individuals, it is great for mental health and fitness, not only for children but adults as well.
“Our classes are held on Mondays 6-8pm in Buckley leisure centre and on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-8pm at Bryn Coch school gym in Mold.”
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